With legislative action in Trenton heating up due to the end of the month state budget deadline, today was a busy day in Trenton. Grid lock between the Governor and Legislative leadership on school funding, raiding Horizon revenues and the lottery/pension proposal has sparked talk of a government shutdown. With this in mind, several pro-labor bills advanced in an attempt to get them on the Governor’s desk before the summer recess begins.
A-4927 (Prieto / Oliver / Gusciora): The bill passed mostly along party lines, 49-23-3-5. Assemblyman Brown (R-2) voted in support while Democrats Andrzejczak (D-1) and Land (D-1) voted against. The bill is pending a floor vote in the Senate. The bill seeks to reform various obstacles for workers seeking to utilize the state’s paid family leave program. In addition to increasing the number of paid weeks from 6 to 12, the bill increases the weekly benefit and provides job protection for workers employed by business with over 20 employees. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO supports the bill and thanks Speaker Prieto and the other sponsors for their advocacy. CLICK HERE to view vote.
Other bills supported by the New Jersey State AFL-CIO that advanced today are:
A-4704 (Singleton / Schaer) – Requires Reporting of Fees Paid to Wall Street Investment Managers: The bill passed the Assembly unanimously. There is no Senate companion.
A-4586 (Johnson / Oliver) – Grants Veto Power to the Actions of the Waterfront Commission: This bill, supported by both the Shipping Association and ILA, seeks to give the Governor greater oversight over the actions of the Waterfront Commission. The bill passed unanimously and is now on the Governor’s desk.
A-222 (DeAngelo / Giblin) – Establishes Voter Referendum for Library Construction Bonds: “New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act”; authorizes issuance of $125,000,000 in general obligation bonds to finance capital projects at public libraries. The bill passed by a vote of 63-12-1-4 with broad bi-partisan support. The bill is pending a floor vote in the Senate. CLICK HERE to view vote.
A-4870 (Prieto/Oliver): The Safe Transportation Job & Fair Employment rules act passed the Assembly 51-23-1-5 mostly along party lines. Joining all Democrats present in voting in support was Assemblyman Chris Brown (R-2). The bills seeks to regulate wages at certain types of transportation hubs, such as airports. CLICK HERE to view vote.